“I am Woman, hear my roar in numbers too big to ignore…” The lyrics of “I Am Woman” have become not only the unofficial anthem to the Women’s Rights Movement, but the song has liberated and inspired generations of feminists.
The lyrics of Australian singer Helen Reddy, played by Tilda Cobham-Hervey, continues to be heard at women’s rights marches across the globe. Though Reddy created an iconic song and some may argue has paved the way for pop stars to focus on feminism in their music; her life and her role in the second wave of feminism remains unknown to most of the public especially those who weren’t alive during the release of her 1971 hit song I am Woman.
The film titled after the notorious women’s liberation anthem, directed by Unjoo Moon, unpacks the complex layers behind Helen Reddy and how her life intersected with the second wave of feminism. Audiences will see Reddy in the role of mother, wife, friend, dreamer, pop star, and fallen figure. The film not only tells the story of Helen Reddy but it also tells the story of the second wave of feminism and the fight for the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment). It is impossible to discuss the life of Helen Reddy without exploring her impact on the feminist movement the two seemingly drew inspiration from one another.
Audiences will also see the impact journalist Lillian Roxon, played by Danielle Macdonald, left on the music industry. Roxon was critiquing and participating in a male-dominated space. However, she is depicted as fearless and with characteristics every aspiring journalist craves. Roxon not only has been credited for helping build the foundation of rock music but she has been called the “mother of rock and roll.” Though Lilian died young, her impact on the genre and both the music and journalism industries has lived on. Before passing away, she wrote the world’s first Encyclopedia of Rock and Roll.
The film I am Woman not only tells the story of a former superstar, but it tells the stories of many women similar to Reddy and Roxon while also telling the history of feminism. The film manages to move audiences and educate them all while making them want to add Helen’s discography to their next playlist. We caught up with Director Unjoo Moon, actors Tilda Cobham-Hervey & Danielle Macdonald. Check out our exclusive interview above.
In Theaters and On Demand September 11th.
